Read Think Act Ep. 24: Dina Nayeri on stories and believability
Noor
When we listen to other people's stories, we're not necessarily looking for evidence of the truth. I think we're more looking for something familiar to relate to.
Welcome to Read Think Act, our video series where writing and activism go hand in hand (or head to head) and we explore the space where they intersect, taking ideas from the pages and into our communities.
We were so very glad for the chance to have a quick chat with Dina Nayeri about her book Who Gets Believed: When the Truth Isn't Enough. Dina sat down to answer three questions about the stories we grow up with and how they shape what we expect from the stories of others.
The arguments and explorations in who gets believed have far-reaching implications for so many parts of our society - from the asylum system to the carceral state.
Organisations and resources mentioned in the video:
Beyond Belief report by Freedom from Torture
Author photo credit: Anna Leader